They were born in Honduras and Mexico, Guatemala and America. They overcame human trafficking and shootings, physical borders and cultural boundaries that told them at every step of the way, "you do not belong here." But last night, with tales and testimony that brought smiles and laughter to Republicans and Democrats in the House State Affairs Committee, over thirty Dream Act students -- better known as Dream Activists -- from universities across Texas refused the notion that they do not belong here.
Yesterday, the Texas House Committee on State Affairs heard and considered various pieces of legislation regarding immigration. When the committee opened its doors at 4pm, over 150 people came pouring in to testify on the various pieces of immigration legislation, including House Bill 12 by Rep. Burt Solomons, the sanctuary city bill, and House Bill 623 by Rep. Dennis Bonnen, a comprehensive immigration bill that dealt with sanctuarty cities, rolling back the Texas Dream Act passed by Democrat Rep. Rick Noriega in 2001, and making English the official language of Texas.
The Dream Activists were there in force, and in the eight years I have followed the Texas Legislature I'm not sure I've ever heard such compelling testimony. They blogged this morning about several of the highlights, but in order to really capture their energy you should scroll through and read their Twitter stream from the hearing. Some of my favorites:
Their stories inspired me in a way nothing has in years. One young woman named Jennfier spoke, and her words were so powerful that even thinking of them today I am moved. She spoke of how she knows we all fear things in life, and that she fears failure. She fears disappointing her parents, and missing the opportunity that she has before her. But one thing she has never feared is losing her right to an education, and with that right she knows she can accomplish anything and her dreams can live on. She encouraged lawmakers not to fear education, but embrace it.
In the coming weeks, I hope to be writing more about the Dream Activists here in Texas, and around the country, as we discuss the unequivocably devastating cuts to education taking place at the Capitol, as well as the numerous ways conservatives are scaling back opportunities to higher education -- through cutting funding for Texas Grants, to the elimination of community colleges in different parts of the state. For now, though, heed the words of these Dream Activists, the brave young men and women who waited for over five hours last night to stand up, one-by-one, and give witness to the power of education and the beauty of a dream.
